convenience
kuhn-VEEN-yuhnss
/kənˈviːniəns/
The quality of being useful, easy, or suitable for a particular purpose with little effort.
In the food industry, 'convenience' is a major marketing driver, referring to meals that require minimal preparation.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'con-' (together) and 'venire' (to come). It originally described things that 'came together' or fit well. By the 19th century, it evolved to mean anything that makes life easier.
Word relationships
- expedience: Expedience implies doing what is quick or advantageous, sometimes at the expense of what is right or healthy.
- difficulty: Difficulty implies that a task requires significant effort or labor.
Word family
- convenient (adjective): Fitting in well with a person's needs or plans.
Collocations
- convenience food
- for convenience
- maximum convenience
- convenience store
Idioms & expressions
- at your convenience
Example sentences
- "The modern consumer often prioritizes convenience over nutritional density when choosing a lunch option." The rise of fast food.
- "Frozen dinners were originally marketed as the ultimate convenience for the busy 1950s housewife." Marketing of frozen meals.
Memory hook
A 'convenience' store is where everything 'comes together' in one easy place. Easy to come by.
When not to use
While it can mean 'comfort,' in food it almost always means 'speed' or 'ease of preparation.'
Fun facts
- The first 'convenience food' is often cited as the hardtack biscuit used by sailors, which required zero preparation and lasted for years.
Related words
Explore more words
expedient, amenity, intuitive, Amenities, feasibility, unpretentious
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